Is the 2023 GMC Canyon Better Than the 2023 Chevy Colorado?

Both of the GM midsize trucks enter a new generation for the 2023 model year. Which truck is better, the new GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado?

The redesign and changes made to these two trucks mimic each other, as they typically do. That said, there could be some reasons that you want to drive the GMC model and not the Chevy or vice versa. With that in mind, let’s take a deeper dive into what these two GM midsize trucks offer to help you understand the differences between the two models that are typically identical save a few features and badges.

Both Trucks Use an Engine from the Half-Ton Pickups

If you look at the half-ton truck lineups from GM, you’ll find the base engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This engine has moved down the market to the midsize pickups. Interestingly, both the Canyon and Colorado use this engine exclusively in the 2023 models. Does this mean there are fewer differences between these two trucks than there should be? Not at all, and you’ll see how these differences show up as we explore these two new midsize pickups wearing the GM badges.

Which Midsize GM Pickup Has Better Engine Performance?

The new 2023 Chevy Colorado has three different power levels from this one engine. These power levels are trim-specific, with the WT and LT models offering 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Move to the Z71 or Trail Boss trims, and you’ll find the Turbo Plus version of this engine which pumps out 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Those looking at the ZR2 model will find the High-Output version that tuns the torque up to 430 lb-ft.

The Turbo and Turbo Plus models tow up to 7,700 pounds, while the High-Output model is limited to 6,000 pounds because of the off-road modifications that come in the ZR2 trim.

Turning to the 2023 GMC Canyon, only the High-Output version of the 2.7-liter engine is offered across the range. This means you might prefer the Colorado but consider the fact that all trims have 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque in the Canyon.

Similar to the Colorado, the lower trims of the Canyon, AT4, Elevation, and Denali, all tow up to 7,700 pounds. The AT4X drops to 6,000 pounds of towing while the AT4X Edition 1 Package only pulls 5,500 pounds.

Which Truck Accelerates Faster?

We’re not entirely sure which of these two GM midsize trucks accelerates faster, but we think the 2023 GMC Canyon is quicker to 60 mph than the 2023 Chevy Colorado. The Canyon is lighter than the Colorado, weighing in at 4,430 pounds compared to the 4,716 pounds for the Chevy. The Canyon also has larger wheel dimensions for better off-road performance, which can give it an advantage during a sprint.

Finally, the Canyon Has Style

The previous generation of the GMC Canyon lacked any serious style. It was happy to be the premium grade in the midsize truck class. Thankfully, the redesign pushed the style buttons to give us an incredible off-road midsize truck that can be fun to drive and visually appealing.

This new GMC truck looks like it belongs on the trails with large headlights, an impressive grille, black accents, and the off-road bumper for the AT4X trim. This bumper features a wide winch, performance skid plate, and a safari bar to give you the rugged looks you desire.

The Colorado Takes Styling a Little Further

The previous generation ZR2 model of the Chevy Colorado already offered some incredible off-road styling. This means we’re used to this truck looking tough and rugged. The new model takes this style and adds some more qualities to it to make sure we don’t forget this is a real off-roading midsize truck. The hood is more muscular, and the contoured body lines add more presence to a truck that’s ready to show off.

Which Truck Has a Better Cabin?

The 2023 GMC Canyon features a much richer cabin area than the 2023 Chevy Colorado. The Canyon has an upscale cabin with durable seat materials that include impressive leather, some hard plastics, and the right colors. You’ll find some open-pore wood to go along with a few carbon fiber accents to offer something great to see on every surface of this truck.

The Colorado offers an attractive cabin, but it’s not quite on the same level as the Canyon. Still, the cabin is pretty impressive for a truck that offers a work-focused approach. You’ll find more durable materials in the Colorado, which is made to be roughed up a bit when you take it to the job site during the week.

Both pickups offer 40.3 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom in the front seat. Those in the rear get 38.2 inches of headroom and 34.7 inches of legroom, which is pretty good for adults.

The 2023 GMC Canyon has more Features than the 2023 Chevy Colorado

Part of what has always separated GMC trucks from Chevy pickups is the offering of features at each trim level. The new Chevy Colorado has heated power-adjustable front seats, an 8 or 11-inch gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and the Chevrolet Safety Package.

The GMC Canyon offers all of the same features as the Colorado, but it adds an 11-inch gauge cluster, a 6.3-inch HUD, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a seven-speaker Bose Audio system, and the added benefit of the safety alert seat in the Denali and AT4X trims.

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X is the first truck to feature a front and rear underbody camera with a wash function, an off-road safari bar, and a 30-inch LED bar. These features make the AT4X a unique midsize truck in the market.

Which GM Midsize Truck is Better?

When you’re comparing the 2023 GMC Canyon to the 2023 Chevy Colorado, the Canyon is better. The Canyon has more power across the trims, it’s an off-road truck at every level, and it’s more stylish than the Colorado. Both of these GM midsize trucks are worthy of your attention, but if you’re torn between them, turn to the GMC.